Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Singing Christmas trees and Santa's evil sidekick!

Just me in day to day attire!



I currently feel like I am living in a Christmas card. All I need is a little Robin Red Breast to be following me around, sitting on snow filled tree branches. There is a certain romance attached to snow Decembers, and I must say that in Zurich, the snow has made it beautiful.

Unlike the UK, the snow has not caused too much trouble. One or two trains have been delayed a little, but the busses, trams and cars are still flying around the city. The drivers here seem to have not noticed the snow at all, zooming around, accelerating around corners, breaking hard at Zebra crossings. (Not quite Ghana driving, but it doesn't fill me with the upmost of confidence!) (Although, I am yet to start an accident count here!)

The last few weeks has been quite nice. I have been attempting to learn German. I am in a German class surrounded by Spanish speakers. (and one Turkish speaker) An interesting group of international people, in Switzerland with their spouses, or looking for work. I have joined the ranks of job searchers here, looking for something to tide me over whilst marketing Yevu Volunteers. (Still looking for writing jobs, so if you need something written, definitely contact me!) (www.yevuvolunteers.com if you want to volunteer)

Me and SamiChlaus
With Christmas on the horizon, I have had a chance to sample a few different traditions here. On the 6th of December, it is St Nicholas day. This is the day where Swiss people attempt to mentally scar their children for the rest of their lives. They invite a guy called Schmutzli (a friend of Santa Clause (or Samichlaus)) into their houses. He has a list, given to him by Santa, of bad things the children have done over the year. The child must greet Schmutzli politely, say a poem to him, and then hope that he doesn't pack them away in his sack. If they are lucky and not taken away in his large sack, they may receive a gift. If I ever have a child, I must scare him (or her) in this manner. I must also be prepared that I may be paying for psychological care for that child for some time after. (see below for a picture of Schmutzli and Samichlaus)

I met Samichlaus and Schmutzli in the city just before seeing a Christmas tree stage filled up with a church choir. The snow was falling whilst the choir serenaded us. Unfortunately, the robin was no where to be seen, or else it could have been the perfect winter moment.

The snow also enables other kinds of fun. From eating hot soup (homemade and not Heinz!) on the balcony to hurtling down a mountain/hill on a sledge. It may seem like pure joyful fun, (and it is fun) but it is certainly not always joyful. With two on a wooden sledge, when you hit the icy patches you scorch down the curvy (sometimes perilous) track, at a considerable speed. The only thing to stop you smashing into other sledders (many of them kids) is your feet. Either by digging them into the ice to change direction, or slamming them into the back of whoever is in your way. (The second method is far easier!) I came out of it safely though, with only a bruised bottom for my troubles. A small price to pay, for a lot of fun!

Me and a usually blacked up Schmutzli!

A singing Christmas tree, of course!
Bouncing from Ghana, to the UK, to Switzerland is not a smooth ride. There are certain culture shocks that hit you every time. Whilst moving back to the UK came with certain difficulties, spending time in Zurich has not always been smooth riding either. I am the uncouth Englishman here, with slightly worse eating habits, and bathroom habits that the Swiss appear to turn their nose up at. (so to speak!) I am getting to grips with the culture, (although something will definitely not change) and through my German lessons, I hope to be in a position to one day apply for the job of Santa's scary arse helper Schmutzli!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Volunteer with Yevu Volunteers

It is time to put my money where my mouth is! (well when I say money, I mean small change) I have written my series of blogs on Projects Abroad and their inequities and now I need to prove that I can run a volunteer service, in Ghana, of better quality and more affordable!

My first time to Ghana was a volunteer, and since then, 10 years ago, I haven't spent long out of Ghana. ( I should put up a blog about this specifically) It was not the most organised trip, but I was thrown in head first with my friend Olee, and we had no choice but to get on with it, essentially organising our own trip on the go. I had a great time, and whilst showing many volunteers around Ghana over the years, I have used those experiences to induct newbies into how to live in Ghana, and make the most of it! (And have a lot of fun!)

Yevu Volunteers has been in the offing for years! I don't think there are many people around me who have not heard me talk about this idea. Over the years, I have picked up and put down the idea with various helpers, but things have come up for me and for them, and the idea had to take a back foot. Now, Yevu Volunteers is finally ready to open its doors so people can come and volunteer in Ghana.

The new site, www.yevuvolunteers.com, created by my good friend Alex Ojo (Thanks for the help mate) has now finally gone live and is ready for you to check out.

We aim to open up opportunities for any one looking to volunteer in Africa. We have Sports Coaching Projects, Business Placements and Journalism and Media placements ready for you to come and volunteer and intern in. We also want to give the volunteer the opportunity to create his or her own volunteer project in Ghana.

The volunteer will tell us their skills, interests and ideas so we can work with them to create their perfect project. It really doesn't matter what the volunteer has to offer, we can create an interesting placement out of it. From dancers and artists to boxers and seamstresses there are volunteer opportunities for everyone.

For those of you asking, "How do I volunteer?" or "Where do I volunteer?" Yevu Volunteers is ideal for you. We have projects in the capital city Accra and in villages in the Volta region, places for the volunteer to stay and food for the volunteer to eat! There will of course be support on hand to make sure every volunteer is safe and happy throughout their stay in Ghana.

So, all my loyal readers, (sorry I haven't created many chuckles in this post!) please spread the word and get www.yevuvolunteers.com out to as many people as you can. @yevuvolunteers will also be tweeting so please do give us a follow!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Yevu in Ghana in Zurich

I am back in Zurich after 9 months away. The last time I was here it was cold and snowy, this time the sun has yet to fly away and only a little rain has graced the city. This time I had to find my way across the city alone. As a professional at getting lost, this was rather daunting, but I only spent 10 minutes confused. (fortunately!) I really like this city, of course the company has helped extraordinarily (reunited with my estranged girlfriend!) (it is time this estranged girl of mine recieves a blog name, she is Christened Baked Beans!) (this may change after she reads this!) but the atmosphere here is also great.

People seem a little more open here than the UK. It is no where near as open as Ghana, but a polite Gruezi (hello) is often offered and the checkout people in the supermarkets are always extremely polite and courteous. One thing that is apparent is that a lot of people here can speak English. It is rather embarrassing to be a classic British language snob. At school I took both French and German classes, but if you ask me to get by in either languages I am going to have a problem. Like a true language snob, I thought the best way to combat this language issue is to avoid all possible situations of conversations! (This is not as easy as I thought)

Hunger struck, and it was time to go to the supermarket. I decided on a simple tomato and sausage sandwich. I went and picked up the ingredients (bread, tomato and sausage!) and head to the checkout, confident that I would only need to say hello and thank you! (Wrong! of course!) I said hello, all was going well, the bread and the sausage went through smoothly. But then, the tomatoes! The young lady turned and spoke to me...I stood speechless and clueless...I told her i don't understand (in English). She then replied (in perfect English) that I had forgotten to weight the tomatoes! Damn it! Not only had I failed in my conversation-less mission but I had stood and looked like a typical Brit! (incidentally, the Tomato and sausage sandwich was very nice! but I forgot to buy butter!)

I continued with my mission of avoiding conversation, but on a stroll into the city centre it seemed that I was a magnet for potential conversationalists! I was just walking, minding my own business but I was apprehended by a middle age lady pushing a pram. Of course I had to just throw my hands up and apologise for my lack of German. She chuckled and continued on her way! Whilst waiting at the mainstation I was then approached by an old man and beggar both expecting me to understand them. I seem to be a beacon for German speakers to ask questions. I was finally approached by a lady who asked me if I spoke English...I enthusiastically told her "yes!" but then realised this meant I had to answer tourist questions! I pretended I knew where she should go and directed her to what I thought was main shopping street. I am pretty sure she didn`t trust my advice! All in all this trip has been a disaster where language is involved!

Sitting on trams and standing waiting for an occassionally late Baked Beans (someone jumped infront of a train:good excuse) has given me a great opportunity to people watch. I have seen some spamish people arguing at the back of a tram (Rodrigeuz seemed to have committed an offence!) A girl (who would have been quite attractive) who seemed to have made herself up to look like a doll and a road cleaner who was using what can only be described as a witches broom! (I was half expecting him to fly off) I have no idea if a witches broom is the infashion tool of a road sweeper but I hope it is! I also had the privilege of seeing an invention worthy of the Dragons Den. The suitcase scooter! (Does exactly what it says on the tin!)

I was fortunate enough to join Baked Beans to a press conference of an Eastern European short film festival. I was interested to see the conference, but was pretty sure I may be bamboozled by language again. The first 20 minutes was rather bamboozling, but then we were able to watch the movies. I must admit, I really enjoyed them all. I have never really indulged in short films or other alternative arts.(Zurich is really shoing up my cultural inadequacies) The movies covered so many topics, from the war in Kosovo, the helplessness of homelessness to the social status of workers. Really thought provoking!

PS- Any typing errors are due to this Geman Keyboard (language foils me again!)

So far it has been great here. Baked Beans housemates have been extremely welcoming and it is a pleasure to finally spend some quality time with Baked Beans! (Not on a baked potato with cheese!) I have a flight booked to fly back to the UK which I am not tempted by at all. Will I be late to that flight? Quite possibly!


Thursday, September 20, 2012

African Inside

I have been trying to think of something to blog about, but being in England currently I do not get myself involved in many interesting story telling opportunities. Whilst here, I live with my parents in the middle of nowhere surrounded by trees, fields and the occasional cow. The only notable event in the area is when 40,000 Ahmadiyya muslims congregate for a summer weekend in the farm next door for their annual Jalsa Salana.  (They don't cause too much trouble, just a little noise!) (It is also interesting because i get to stare at my own house on their TV coverage! Essentially stalking myself!)


However, last weekend, I was able to do something Ghanaian orientated. It was Ghana party in the park in south London. (It was supposed to be in North London, but they changed the venue less than a week before it was to take place) So, I drove my way up to Morden Hall Park to help a good friend, (the world(ish) famous PM) with his new venture. He had a stall for the new 'African Inside' t shirts! I was fairly fortunate that when I turned up, most of the setting up had been taken care of. The t shirts neatly arranged, the DJ Decks up and running and ice kenkey ready to be devoured. (well almost ready) My only task to begin with was to collect the ice, for the ice kenkey! A critical ingredient!

The event started pretty slowly, the mainstage was quiet, so thankfully PM fired up the decks and entertained the slowly increasing number of people. Before we knew it we had a fully functioning Azonto competition going on in front of us. (The winner of course got an African Inside t shirts.) Swiftly everyone inside the park was rammed around our stall watching the competition unfold. The mainstage had initially failed. All they could do was offer their own dance competition to entice the crowds.

It was in the on stage dance competition/battle that I saw one of the best azonto battle moves I have seen. It will be hard to explain this to create a picture but I will try. After one young man had finished his part of the battle his opponent started his attack. He danced over to the guy, in an Azonto fashion, and proceeded to pretend to cut the other guys penis off (in an Azonto fashion) dice it up in his palm (in an Azonto fashion) and feed it to his opponent(in....an Azonto fashion) What a fantastic move, I can hardly even twist my leg (in an Azonto Fashion!)

All, in all it was a successful day for the African Inside team! Ghana party in the park got a lot busier (people turned up very late of course!) and seemed to have a good time.

So this was pretty much my only taste of Ghana since I have been back. Apart from spending some time at the Rainbow Radio studios.

Buy African Inside t-shirts at www.theonlypm.com
There has been something I have been meaning to blog. But it does not take up enough space to be a whole blog. A while ago I wrote a blog entitled 'How to pick up a white woman in Ghana (The instruction Manual)'. This has been by far the most searched blog I have written. I am able to keep track of what people read and where people are reading from. I am also able to see some of the google searches that lead people to the blog.

'Mandingo' used to be one of the main searches that lead people to my blog. Obviously, 'Ghana' and 'Projects Abroad' searches have also given me some traffic. Rather disturbingly, there have been quite a few 'Crying prostitute' or 'have you made a prostitute cry' searches! Recently, there have been so many 'white women in ghana' searches of so many varieties. It seems like every day someone is searching 'where do I find white woman in ghana?' or 'how do i get a white woman in Ghana?' or 'rasta words white women tourists'!

I think I underestimated the amount of guys in Ghana trying to procure their own white woman! I wonder if they saw it as a tongue in cheek expose´ or an actual  guide book!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Yevu In UK (Summertime!)

A few weeks ago I became Yevu in UK, rather than Yevu in Ghana, as I set out on my way back home to take in some Olympic spirit. The last couple of months in Ghana had been a little torrid. Another tense situation regarding accommodation (brought on by a blog no less!) and swiftly diminishing funds had taken their toll somewhat.

After a nice evening with Olgasm and Joshua, who kindly delivered put me up on my last night and delivered me to the airport, I was on my way through immigration and to my (fortunately upgraded) flight home on Virgin Atlantic. (Incidentally, it was the nicest flight I have had. Champagne and leather seats!)

I reached London, and enjoyed being filmed by Chinese media coming out of departures. Olympic fever had started and I, for a split second, could pretend I was an olympian! (A chinese one!) I had one day home, trying to reacclimatise, before the other half of my distance relationship turned up for a few weeks. (I won't go into the difficulties of being with someone in a different continent, but it was great to finally see her again!)

This was to be my first British summer in 3 years and I was really looking forward to it. If the weather happened to be rainy and cold, I was ready and prepared to have a long awaited rest bite from the sun! There was a little rain, but the sun did come out to greet us on a number of occasions on my first few days back.

I don't know if its me getting old, but I did notice one thing in the sun which was a little disturbing. I was walking around in Farnham, and I couldn't help notice that young girls seem to be wearing hardly any clothes! Girls of no more the 13 walking around in the shortest of shorts and little tops. Of course I was not looking too closely, but it is hard not to notice. I can't believe their parents allow them to go out like this. Anyway, enough of my old man talk!

The next thing I noticed (this time about myself!) is that I seemed to have lost the ability to small talk! I found it increasingly difficult to be interested in little conversations with friends and family, and also found it difficult to actually believe they were interested in what I had to say. I think (hope) I am getting back in to the swing of being able to communicate her again, but for a while I just couldn't get into a conversation. At the wedding of my dear friends Luke and Natalie, I spent half the time (probably more than half the time) clueless as to how to enter the conversation! It was quite embarrassing actually, siting and listening and hoping to find a way in, but nothing came out. Not wit, no jokes, not even something sensible! Have I really become one of those boring guys that sits in the corner with no beneficial input!

I have a theory on this, which I have discussed with a couple of friends in Ghana. Most conversations in Ghana seem to be either gossip related, complaining, or both. The longer you live there (annoyingly) the more you complain about things. If you personally don't have anything to complain about, you can be sure that the other person you are talking about will do. It may be a personal problem, a problem of somebody else, a problem with somebody else, the sun, the rain, the food, money, girls, boys, etc etc etc. There is always something to gossip or complain about. This ends up as a cauldron of negativity and any other types of conversation are quickly eradicated! I am pretty sure this is why I have had a little problem fitting back in to conversational Britain!

Another (disastrous) incident that has occurred since being back was a small, but destructive, prang in my car. I happened to go into the back of someone else's car. whilst her car seemedly only had a few scratches, mine was a little crumpled to say the least. This meant the end to my little Corsa, that has served me and others well over recent years. It has been a wedding car, a removal van, airport taxi and still drove around very well. But without it I was stuck at home (with my on holiday Girlfriend) and unable to get to London or travel around. Thankfully, my mother offered her car for us to get around in. (Although I am still a little guilty for taking her mode of transport!) But, no car definitely inhibits me and future trips back to UK, or even staying in the UK a little longer!

But, I was able to watch a large part of the London Olympics. It was great to be here through such a marvelous event! I was hoping to cover it for one of the Ghanaian networks, but unfortunately after agreeing it was a good idea, I didn't hear from them again! Regardless though it was a brilliant performance by the athletes and the country as a whole to make the London Olympics a very special affair! I wish that I was 10 years younger so that I could have been inspired to take up a sport seriously! I was able to get down to Trafalgar Square to watch the mens marathon. It was great to see so many people from so many nationalities out cheering everyone along. In fact those that were furthest behind got the loudest cheer. At the end when one athlete, from Lesotho, strolled past, obviously completely exhausted, he got loud cheers of encouragement in the final stages of the marathon! Was really wonderful to see all the different nationalities getting together, taking pictures together and getting along brilliantly! Multi Cultural Britain at its best!

Anyway, now I have to make some big decisions. Yevu in Ghana, or Yevu in UK? I have had a lot of input from friends and family in the UK and Ghana, but it is certainly a difficult decision to make. It isn't so easy to get a job in the UK, and I still have some unfinished business in Ghana. So, do I start a new adventure, or continue with the old one?

(open to suggestions, ideas and JOB OFFERS!)

@yevucee

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Ghana Youth Journalism


So, recently, I have not really had much to write about. I have been going about slowly trying to set up an number of projects. Some of them a little secret, (from a few people) and others like pepper farming and pig rearing! (pig rearing sounds filthy!) So, in this little break of uninteresting times I will take the opportunity to promote a new initiative I am running. 

Last year I have the privilege to set up a journalism workshop at Accra high school. It was one of the few things I was able to do for Projects Abroad which was worthwhile. Unfortunately, when they decided to let me go they did not live up to the promise to keep the workshop going. It was a real shame that they couldn't because my journalism volunteers and I had put a lot of work in setting up and running this successful program. 

Anyway, to cut a long story short (and to keep a short blog short) I decided to go back and take it on myself. Not having the support of other volunteers has meant that I have had to change the direction of the workshop slightly. The members of the journalism club, rather than learning how to be journalists, and attempting to practice it. (With me as an editor) Hopefully, with practice, and a little guidance their journalism and writing skills will continue to improve and some of them can form a new age of journalism in Ghana. 

So I am directing (and inviting) you to www.ghanayouthjournalism.blogspot.com to check out the first article written by Gloria Emeka on the Death Penalty. I would appreciate any comments for the students, or myself, with regards to this project. 

(Twitter: @yevucee)

Monday, May 21, 2012

A football blog (kind of!)

Many people in Ghana know me for my football analysis on various shows, but I hardly seem to get out there and write articles about sport. (there is just too much other fun stuff to write about, like getting threatened!) I try my best to get some of my footballing opinions out on twitter ( I have not got many followers, and don't feel comfortable begging for follower...afterall...i am not God...right?) You can follow me if you want though @yevucee) but on Saturday, the day of the Champions league final, MTN kindly f*cked up. This meant that I could not give my opinions, and not involve myself in any of the online banter for and against Chelsea!

So to make up for it, I will write my own football blog, but of course with a slight difference. I could give my full opinion on the game and say that Bayern Munich played better, but that after all the Chelsea have done in the previous rounds verses Napoli and Barcelona, that it was on the cards that they would win. Or I could say that Roberto Di Matteo deserves to take the job for next season (or get a huge huge bonus) for what he achieved this season, but this analysis has been written and said all over the world a thousand times.( My voice would be like a whisper in a mega phone factory) So I will simply write about my experience watching the game in Ghana.

For those of you that don't know, Chelsea are very well supported in Ghana, due to Essien, Drogba and a host of other African stars at the club. This season, until the FA cup final, the Chelsea fans here have been rather subdued. (it is likely some of them have tried to switch allegiance) In the space of two weeks they are back, and almost back to being as obnoxious as the Manchester United fans here.

With my father as a Chelsea fan and due to our rather competitive relationship, I have never been the biggest fan of them. (I am a Gooner!) I went in search of a place to watch the game as a total neutral. My main interest was to see another exciting game to end of a fantastic season. The first place I went had the game on, but no sound. I endured watching the waiter try and try and try to fiddle with the cables in order to bring the sound. It became obvious very swiftly that this fiddling was certainly not doing any good. So as soon as half time came I ran to find another spot, with sound. I found one, and took a seat, which I realised may belong to one of the football fans arguing outside. I was fully prepared to move when the guy came back, but when he did he just stood there and complained to the guy behind me that I was in his chair. I got up and explained to him that he only need to be polite, which caused an almost argument, so I backed down and got on with watching the game. (from a standing position, but with my beer!)

The first thing I noticed, was the guy in the Arsenal shirt. He was shouting about something. I quickly tuned into him to see what the discussion was about.  He was bragging about how Robin Van Persie was the top scorer in the premier league. Now, I am an Arsenal fan, as I mentioned, and I am fairly satisfied with the season, but I am certainly not going to brag about a guy that could be leaving the club at any moment. Also, I am certainly not going to brag in front of the fans from a club that have lifted the FA cup and are in the Champions League final. (Even if they were utter shite in the league!) The arguments fans have here are amazing! They will argue for their team even if they are completely and utterly wrong. I am sure that if there actually happened to be a Bolton fan here, they would still argue that Bolton was better than Manchester United because one of their players miraculously survived a life threatening condition! (Jokes aside, Muamba has given us all an amazing lesson that we all need to check out health regularly)

I then zoned out of this argument, and settled down to enjoy the commentary, that I had missed in the first half. Then we got to the point where Chelsea equalised to push the game towards extra time. I had, until this moment, been rather enjoying the game. Three seconds before the Chelsea equaliser, this young guy in the front stood up and shouted "goooaalllllll yeeeahhhhhhhhhhhooooooooooooo". I was thinking that the guy was a lunatic. Usually, as a cross goes in, or if the ball gets slightly close to the goal, someone will shout "Goal" but this was really taking the piss! Then Three seconds later it dawned on me! This guy has been listening to the coverage on the radio! He new what was going to happen before the rest of us! This was going to completely spoil the excitement of the Champions League final., especially when it came to the penalty shoot out.

Penalty shoot outs are certainly a cruel necessity at the end of such a big occasion. Regardless of how cruel they are, they are terrible exciting to watch. Seeing who will mess up, and the agony on everyones faces is brilliant. The excitement is fully and completely ruined with a guy at the front, cheering when Chelsea Score and when Bayern Miss. He then seemed to look proud that he knew before everyone else. Because of this guy, I had to do the unthinkable, I had to choose a German side as the team I wanted to win. I had to do this, because if Bayern Munich scored, we was not going to announce it by screaming and shouting and then it would genuinely be a surprise!

Anyway, the game finished, Chelsea won (surprisingly) and everyone wen wild. (Apart from the Arsenal fan) I did not go wild because the above guy had pissed me off. I remained calm to such an extent that a group of English guys (who were United fans) thought that I was German! After watching the champagne get popped, and grown men using there phones to film the big screen, I decided to move on to meet some friends. (or try and meet some friends as I could not call anyone because MTN is useless!)

Walking out I had to watch my step as mopeds and cars were speeding around with their Chelsea flags as if Ghana had just won the world cup! I was then reminded of another reason why I was a little downhearted whilst watching the game. As I walked along I passed a guy who asked "why? you were not analysing tonight?" It is nice to be recognised, but I really wanted to work on the Champions league final show. I will never be able to play it, so to play a role on a live TV show. Maybe, next year, I can finally get on the final show!

The rest of the night was very non football related. Met up with some friends. Had a couple of beers. had a bit of a dance. Was threatened with a beating or a murder by Marvin the crack addict street boy. and then came home at 4 in the morning. Bulk standard night really!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Ghana Inductions

I thought that it is about time that I use this blog to promote something that I am doing. I have a thousand and one plans in Ghana that I am trying to put into action (leading to a very jumbled brain and probably not maximum productivity)

So, here goes! I am going to offer people who are new to Ghana inductions into Ghana. When you first come to Ghana to it can be difficult to get to grips with all the cultural differences. This can even be the case if you happen to be a Ghanaian who has lived over seas for sometime. The culture shock can be quite overwhelming.

It is important to know where to go, who to talk to, how to talk to people, what to eat, where to eat, how to travel round the city, how to bargain etc etc etc. It is also nice to learn from another foreigners example. The Ghanaians I have seen show people around, try hard to give people the tips and advice, but it is not the same as being shown the ropes by someone who was a newbie in Ghana before.

It is all very well showing inductees how to eat Ghanaian food and where the internet cafe and super market is, but as a foreigner in Ghana there is a certain way we must behave and communicate with others here to make sure we get the most out of our stay.  The best way to get this information is to follow someone who is in the same situation and learn from their actions.

It is also important to note that there are a few safety issues in Ghana. As a foreigner, and perceived to be richer, we can be a target for thieves, pick pockets, scammers, taxi drivers looking to cheat us, and all sorts of people looking to cash in, in one way or another. It is necessary to learn about who to talk to and where to go and other little safety tips and I have the experience to be able to advise on the best way to be safe in Ghana.

And that, is exactly what I am doing. So if you happen to be a new comer to Ghana, or know someone that is coming that may need a little help please give me a call and I will have happy to show you around. Travel on public transport and food are all included in the cost and I assure you a fun trip around Accra.

I have tried to upload the flyer but seem to have some technical difficulties! If you are interested give me a call on 0548754477 or email me at Samuel_polley@hotmail.com

Thursday, March 8, 2012

A poem from the past!

After my last post which reached 5 years into the past I remembered that I had indulged in a little poetry around the same time. It was just before I was forced to leave my abode and was having quite some trouble with the land lady there who was nothing short of crazy! She had spent 30 odd years serving the prime minister his tea at downing street that her mind may have been out for revenge on a poor unsuspecting English boy. Anyway, I wrote this piece in an angry 20 minutes. I think only two people have seen this before this posting. Not being a poetry fanatic I have no idea if it is any good! Anyway, try and enjoy! (oh, it doesn't seem to have a title?! will have to consider that!)

Every second, should be a special moment
That passes by almost unnoticed with each breath
During disruption, a moment becomes a season
A cold and rainy period, passion with an unbearable lack of speed

Inner angst rises to scorching temperatures
Which once ignited, is hard to quell
A nightly rest delays longer the troubles
And when the sun lifts from the horizon, the heat follows

This terrorism of the body and soul can destroy
The very ability to smile and enjoy daily events
Contentment seems a distant past
That hope can only drag from history

A battle will ensue in attempt to defeat the stubborn foe
Of unrest, to bring peace and settlement to the soul
First, the raging fir escapes uncontrollably
If failure is reached then even the seven seas will burn

With success, the oceans win out as compromise competes 
With disruption to encourage Joy and laughter back to the court
If time passes and friendly play is found then
The spring season of new beginnings can once again reign.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Yevu @55!

Five years ago in Ghana it was the eve of Ghana @ 50! I had brought my Ghana@50 shirt and I had been preparing to celebrate with the nation. I was excited to be here because my Grandfather had been over here around the time of independence. Five years ago today I got back from a club after allegedly having my drink spiked. (Others may think I was very drunk, but I am convinced that someone put something in my drink so I would pass out and they could take the Irish lass I was out with!)

The next morning my preparations for independence were spoilt as, after waking up on the bathroom floor, the situation in my house became untenable and I had no other choice but to leave poor Larissa in the house alone with another old lady in Ghana that didn't like me! (anyone see the pattern?) At this time I was fighting to finish my masters Degree at the University of Ghana and trying to gather together m final bits of research to finish my thesis. Ghana was experiencing a lot of electricity problems and everyone was bemoaning the ECG (Electricity Company Ghana) for its role in their misery. Every time the power went off (or there was a flood, or a robbery, or someone slipped over) Ghana would cry 'Ghana at 50 ooooo!)

Five years on what has changed. Well, it dawned on me surprisingly little. I would like to lie at this juncture and say things are completely different and that all those that were worried about me jumping ship and taking a risk in Ghana were so far wrong, but I should be honest and say that I am still on the mission to prove them wrong!

In actual fact accommodation issues still haunt me and I am currently an English refugee in a German house. (I am sure my parents are proud!) (Thanks once again Aunty!) Another similarity raised its head again today. I realised that, whilst on the phone to the University of Ghana, that my next opportunity to graduate from this f***ing masters degree will be this Saturday. Well, I handed my work in promptly again after waiting 5 years for them to pass it. That was three months ago! I was pretty certain that they would be able to manage the one hour it would take to check I have made the relevant corrections so that I could graduate this March. Of course I was a fool for thinking the Institute of African Studies, Legon could do anything promptly and until last week no one had even tried to check the work. Then they decided to give it to Dr Owusu Brempong, who is not my biggest fan, to mark it! I guess I could never graduate!

......IF ANY LAWYER WOULD LIKE TO GIVE ME SOME ADVICE TO IF I HAVE A CASE WITH THIS PLEASE CONTACT ME!!!!..........................................................................................

Anyway, apart from being a little fatter and having a little TV gig some may say I am in a fairly similar situation. (Although see here soon for the next projects which should change all that!!)

ECG is certainly still disturbing many Ghanaians and floods will come again in the rainy season. Next time I fall in a gutter or almost get run over I think I will join the chorus of 'Ghana at 55 oooo!'

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Yevu in Zurich!

I have temporarily left the confines of Yevu in Ghana and I am back in Europe for (what I feel is) a well deserved break. It has been an interesting year with many ups and downs, many great times and many frustrating times and many stories both good and bad.  But for the purposes of this blog I will be Yevu in Switzerland.

I have had a great christmas and it has been nice seeing family, eating turkey and trimmings and playing games! I did not totally get away from Ghana as my good friend Romeo joined us for his first taste of an English Christmas. It was a delight to see him enjoy eating and drinking and winning at charades! After copious visits to family and friends to spread my festive cheer and celebrating the New Year with a group of close friends it was my time to head to Switzerland to visit Corina (To be known as Corona from now on (so many jokes about tasting good with lemon etc etc)) visit the mountains and visit cheese!

So off I flew on my cheap flight (by far the cheapest part of a trip to Zurich!) early in the morning excited by a friendly smile and cheese and grated potato! Then came my first, and only disappointment of the trip. I looked expectantly for sheets of white covering the land below and was greeted by what seemed to be a dull grey landscape! But as I said this was the only disappointment and far more beauty followed. After being met slightly late by the not so time conscious Corona, I saw my first Alpine Horn wrapped up in bubble wrap. ( I wasn't bold enough to ask the man i i could blow on his horn!)

I could write reams and reams about this visit but shall try to keep it as brief as possible. The first morning Corona and I hit the streets of Zurich with her nick-nameless friend Michelle. Rushing out we could not get breakfast but had some swiss cheese and bread on the way. After a quick stop for a non swiss tea at Starbucks and a very Turkish (but nice) kebab we strolled round the city centre. It really is a beautiful place but struck me as more like a rich village than a city. It is so quiet and relaxed, I can not remember ever going to an urban centre so quiet!

I also had the time for a little stag riding!

Then after finishing the remainder of the kebab we headed into a beautiful church and climbed the countless steps up towards the spire. I must say it was a beautiful view across the city ( I think I will be using the term beautiful quite a lot in the next few paragraphs) and of the lake and river. I saw cuckoo clocks, banks, the lake, river and generally quaint surroundings!

I will talk about the food in general. I understand completely the pride with which Swiss people talk about their cuisine! I tried as many different foods as i could. I hope the swiss will forgive me for forgetting some of the names. The Raclette, where you cook your own meat and melt your own cheese on the table in front of you was delicious as was the grated potato dish (Rosti) that I had been waiting to eat for 6 months! (I was not disappointed!) I also tried Spatzli (not to be confused with Smutzli, the swiss father christmas' scary friend!) When in the mountains I tried alpine Macaroni and another food I have no idea what is called but it was something wrapped in spinach! ( I do not think I will cut it as a food blogger!) The cheese is indeed as good as people say it is. I will say though that the Swiss are cheese snobs! They would not hear a good word said about Cheddar cheese. It may not be as glamorous of the wealth of cheeses the Swiss boast but a mature and rich cheddar cheese can certainly stand shoulder to shoulder with swiss cheese. I really wish I had taken some with me!

Grated Potato!

On the downside, I have put on so much weight because the food is bloody lovely!

On the second day I decided it would be a good idea to climb the mountain (hill) behind Corona's apartment. Corona didn't share my sentiments, but with a little coercion we were on out way up the hill through the forest to the top. My choice of clothing was not the best but my scarf  (knitted by my mother!) and jumper was just about enough. Once at the top, after being followed by the only other two people walking up this huge hill (Whom we suspected were murderers because they were acting very suspiciously!) we were welcomed by a 5 star hotel. A really nice place to stay, but we settled down for an expensive coke before running for the train back down!






The next trip up a hill came a few days later when Corona took me up the mountains near Zurich (not a euphemism!) This was what I was most looking forward to and I was not disappointed! After a train ride we took a bus for the last part of the journey. The snow became thicker and the surroundings became even quieter. Cars were completely covered in snow and the road was scarily icy, although this didn't deter the bus driver from making good progress. Our first port of call was a swimming pool. I thought it was a strange idea but I couldn't be more wrong. After changing in to my lovely swim wear ( I will have to release a calendar!) we headed into an outside pool. It was remarkable to be sat there in the mountains in a hot pool surrounded by mist and fog with snow pelting down. Very relaxing and quite magical!

My dress in general was not quite as appropriate as my swim wear was. I decided that it would be a good idea to only bring a pair of holey trainers with me to the notoriously snowey Swiss alps. When walking down from the swimming pool and then up to the apartment in the mountains these were not the most helpful and comfortable attire. In fact of course, after being all manly and telling Corona I will protect her from slipping, I fell on my arse quite forcefully!

But that walk up to the apartment was incredible. I felt totally at peace surrounded by white and quite in what seemed like the middle of nowhere. I have to use the word again but this has to be the most beautiful place I have had the pleasure to see! The next day we had the slowest sledge ride ever  (maybe slowed down by my extra cheese weight!) down the mountain.


Well, apart from being taken to a Salsa party (which I have been trying to avoid in Ghana for 18 months) and a little sushi I will bring the blog to an end here. I have no idea if you have enjoyed this one or not but I certainly enjoyed the memories! Corona, thank you for a great week, by far the most relaxing week I have had in years!



I thought you may like to see a picture of a dog relieving himself in front of Louis Vuitton!